Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
We could not have picked better weather for our visit to review the new safari tents at YHA Tanners Hatch, Surrey Hills, nr Dorking. The youth hostel is fairly remote being a 20 minute walk from the nearest road (those with blue badges can get dispensation to drive to the door) but the stunning location makes up for having to carry your equipment. The booking confirmation comes with a good map and instructions but you will definitely find it easier to arrive before dark, if not you will need a decent torch. There is plenty of parking in the National Trust car park on Ranmore Common, £6.00 overnight or free for National Trust members, and from there you cross the road and follow directions to the track leading to the hostel which is marked with small YHA signs. It is a straightforward walk down a made track through woods and after around 15-20 minutes you will see the timbered hostel building appear. It is downhill all the way there so beware its uphill all the way back to the car park!
We arrived to an extremely warm welcome and were promptly shown round. The hostel is just re-opening after an extensive refurbishment so all the facilities are lovely, clean and modern. The site consists of the very quaint main building contain small reception area, a lounge with open fire, kitchen, dining room, one double room and two six bed single sex dorm rooms. There is also a separate shower/toilet block, campers washing up area, camping pitches and the two new safari tents. Both the hostel rooms and tents are sandwiched in between a myriad of bridleways, footpaths and National Trust land with stunning views of Polesden Lacey from the seating areas with the only passing traffic walkers and horse riders. This gives it a fabulous feeling that you are out in the middle of nowhere even though you are only 10 minutes from a major town.
We were amazed by the space and facilities on entering the safari tent which was to be our accommodation for the night. There is a large lounge area with sofa bed and dining area set around a wood burning stove and a modern yet in keeping kitchen area. There are also two separate bedrooms, one double and one set of bunk beds which our 4-year-old couldn’t wait to try out. The tent is raised off of the ground on a wooden platform which creates a veranda out front with two comfy chairs and a small table. Bedding is provided in the bedrooms, comfy duvets in YHA green covers and spare blankets and pillows are provided should you need them. The kitchen has a gas hob and most of the pots and pans you need for cooking, anything else you need you can get from the extensive selection in the main kitchen. Being an avid tea drinker I was pleasantly surprised to find the crockery supplied in the tents even included a selection of teapots. There is no water in the tents so at present you will need to bring a container to collect water from the main building although I think water containers may be provided in the future. There is a washing up bowl provided to take your dirty things to the sink which is very useful. The tent doesn’t have power so there is not a fridge but there are two in the main hostel so there is plenty of storage space there should you need it. If you fancy a BBQ instead of cooking in the tent there is a large BBQ in the camping area and fuel can be brought from reception. We chose to cook in the newly completed safari tent kitchen and found everything we needed to prepare a family dinner which we ate at the large wooden table by solar powered lighting. Tanners Hatch is an amazing base for walkers and after dinner we took a family walk to watch the sunset over the fields before my son announced he was tired and wanted to try out his cosy looking bunk bed. Using the portable lamp provided we took the very short walk to the toilet block to clean his teeth and have a bedtime wash. We found the toilets clean and well lit with plenty of soap and paper towels. 10 minutes and a quick story later our son was in bed and we were watching the light fade out of the sky with a glass of wine from our veranda. It was absolutely idyllic. As it was cooling off we lit the woodburner to warm through the tent prior to bedtime, it comes complete with fire lighters, kindling and a small supply of logs. Further logs can be brought for £5 per basket if required but as it was a fairly warm night what we had was plenty just to take the edge of the cold air. The fire takes hold very quickly and we were soon in our comfy bed with just the sound of owls for company.
After a good night’s sleep, we tried out the showers which again were clean and had plenty of hot water with good pressure and a stool to keep your things dry as you wash. Revitalised we enjoyed a fabulous cooked breakfast taking in a last sight of the view as we ate prior to packing up ready for the walk back to the car.
We had a fabulous time at YHA Tanners Hatch, don’t come here if you are looking for bright lights and pub meals, but for glorious walking, peace and quiet and views to die for this is the place to come. The staff are passionate about the hostel and are exceedingly friendly and will help with any questions you have. We wouldn’t hesitate to come here again and would highly recommend it for both families and singletons. Just remember to pack light it’s a long steep walk back to the car!
Rating: 5/5
A Safari Tent (sleeps up to 6 people) at YHA Tanners Hatch costs from £95, camping from £12, beds from £15, private rooms from £49 and family rooms from £109. For more information or to make a booking visit www.yha.org.uk/hostel/tanners-hatch-surrey-hills.
YHA Tanners Hatch, off Ranmore Common Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BE
